Since the first meeting 4 years ago with Mirko Cazzatoformer student and leader of the movement BADthe Federation had recognized the innovative strength of this project which is now an integral part of federal Social Responsibility initiatives.
The MABASTA initiative! arose in 2016 after the students of the Lecce Institute were affected by the suicide attempt of a schoolmate due to bullying. The students themselves felt the need to chart an innovative path to combat bullying and improve mental well-being.
This proactive anti-bullying strategy has already involved over 35,000 students across Italy with its exclusive peer-led model (peer education). The approach not only allows students to monitor and report bullying through innovative tools such as the digital ‘MabaDAD’, but also promotes student leadership by engaging them in ongoing dialogues across the school, ensuring a sustainable, student-led fight against bullying. bullying.
MabaDAD is a ‘Digital Anti-Bullying Help Desk’, an online version of ‘BulliBox’ that allows students, teachers and parents to report bullying incidents anonymously via smartphone, tablet or PC. In addition to confidential and accessible means for reporting, the platform helps the school address concerns promptly, improving MABASTA’s overall effectiveness and strategy in maintaining a safe and supportive school environment. Thanks to MabaDAD, the MABASTA project measurably reduced bullying incidents and significantly improved the school climate.
The leaders of the Galilei-Costa-Scarambone Institute, including Mirko Cazzatoare deeply committed to a student-centered educational model that integrates entrepreneurship and personal growth, making the school a beacon of hope that counteracts youth migration by promoting local engagement. Their efforts are further exemplified by the annual ‘Student Mental Health Week’, in line with global goals to support holistic wellbeing.
The success of the MABASTA project is profound, with a decrease in bullying and increased awareness among students and staff. Success stories from across the country, where immediate behavioral changes were observed after the MABASTA intervention, underline the effectiveness of the model, which is now also recognized globally.
The Galilei-Costa-Scarambone Institute will use its share of the $50,000 prize from World’s Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Livesto expand the MABASTA project nationwide. This expansion aims to train teams in other regions and raise awareness through digital campaigns, ultimately fueling a safer educational environment across Italy.
The Federal President Andrea Marcon wanted to congratulate the MABASTA students for this wonderful result through a heartfelt message for the celebration organized by the school.
Guys we are proud of you!
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BAD
Emanuela Principato
